Directed sound transmission systems and methods

ABSTRACT

A method for providing directed transmission of sound waves, through modulation on an ultrasonic carrier, may comprise connecting at least one directed sound source to an audio system; emitting, via the at least one directed sound source, audio from the audio system, wherein the emitting comprises emitting medium-frequency audio waves and higher-frequency audio waves. The audio may be selected via a master control unit (MCU), which may be operatively coupled to a mobile application. In some embodiments, a first audio selection is configured to be heard only through a first directed sound source, and a second audio selection is configured to be heard only through a second directed sound source.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The entire contents of the following application are incorporated byreference herein: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/675,806; filedFeb. 18, 2022; issued as U.S. Pat. No. 11,520,996 on Dec. 6, 2022; andentitled DIRECTED SOUND TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS AND METHODS.

The entire contents of the following application are incorporated byreference herein: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/364,716; filedJun. 30, 2021; issued as U.S. Pat. No. 11,256,878 on Feb. 22, 2022; andentitled DIRECTED SOUND TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS AND METHODS.

The entire contents of the following application are incorporated byreference herein: U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/121,851;filed Dec. 4, 2020; and entitled DIRECTED SOUND TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS ANDMETHODS.

BACKGROUND

For decades, automotive and transportation manufacturers have talkedabout and worked to transform the in-vehicle experience into a peacefulsonic cocoon. Much time and energy has been invested toward isolatingpassengers from the outside world, in terms of traffic, road, andpowertrain noises. However, connected devices are becoming a threat tothe sought-after tranquility of commuting. As cars become smarter andmore connected, the driver experiences more cognitive distractions thanever before. Games blaring in the backseat, jarring Bluetooth phonecalls, and constant vehicle and navigation notifications not onlyincrease the stress levels of everyone in a vehicle, but lead to unsafedriver distraction. As a result, original equipment manufacturers arefocusing on hands-free technology as well as minimizing visual and audiodisturbances and are starting to require allowances in software andprocessors for zoned audio systems.

SUMMARY

The disclosure includes methods for performing live translation. In someembodiments, the method comprises taking a plurality of audio samples ata plurality of locations within a listening environment; determining anassociated language at one of the plurality of locations within thelistening environment; translating an associated language at one or moreof the plurality of locations within the listening environment to theassociated language of another of the one or more of the plurality oflocations within the listening environment; modulating one or moreultrasonic pressure waves by audio content, in a language associatedwith one or more target locations in the listening environment, toproduce one or more modulated carrier signals; and sending the one ormore modulated carrier signals, to one or more target locations in thelistening environment, through a transmission medium. In someembodiments, in connection with the one or more ultrasonic pressurewaves reaching the one or more target locations, the one or moremodulated carrier signals demodulate, thereby delivering audio contentin the associated language of one or more target locations.

In some embodiments, the listening environment is a vehicle selectedfrom the group consisting of a vehicle having an internal combustionengine, an electric vehicle, and a combination thereof. In someembodiments, each of the plurality of locations within the listeningenvironment is a seating location within the listening environment.

As well, in some embodiments, the method further comprises producingwhite Gaussian noise; modulating the one or more ultrasonic pressurewaves by the Gaussian noise to produce one or more modulated noisesignals; and transmitting, to the one or more target locations in thelistening environment, the one or more modulated noise signals throughthe transmission medium.

The disclosure also includes methods for performing live translation. Insome embodiments, the method comprises sampling sound by taking one ormore sound samples from a listening environment; identifying a language,when present, inherent within audio information received from the one ormore sound samples; producing an audio content signal from the audioinformation in the language; determining noise in the listeningenvironment; producing a noise signal from the noise; producing aninverted noise signal by inverting the noise signal; generating a firstmodulated ultrasonic signal by modulating an ultrasonic carrier with theinverted noise signal; generating a second modulated ultrasonic signalby modulating an ultrasonic carrier with the audio content signal; andtransmitting, to a target in the listening environment, an ultrasonicpressure wave, representative of the first modulated ultrasonic signaland the second modulated ultrasonic signal, through a transmissionmedium.

In some embodiments, the listening environment is selected from thegroup consisting of a vehicle environment, a ride sharing environment,and mass transportation. In some embodiments, the method includescontrolling the live translation using a mobile application. Even still,in some embodiments, the target is one of a plurality of seat positionsin the vehicle environment.

The disclosure also includes methods of performing live translation. Insome embodiments, the method includes sampling sound by taking one ormore sound samples from a plurality of different locations within alistening environment; identifying a language, when present, inherentwithin audio information received from one or more sound samples fromeach location within the listening environment; producing an audiocontent signal for an associated location from the audio informationreceived from the one or more sound samples for each location within thelistening environment, in the language; determining noise in thelistening environment; producing a noise signal from the noise;producing an inverted noise signal by inverting the noise signal;generating a first modulated ultrasonic signal by modulating anultrasonic carrier with the inverted noise signal; generating a secondmodulated ultrasonic signal, for an associated location, by modulatingan ultrasonic carrier with the audio content signal from an associatedlocation; and transmitting, to a selected location within the listeningenvironment, an ultrasonic pressure wave, representative of the firstmodulated ultrasonic signal and the second modulated ultrasonic signalassociated with the selected location, through a transmission medium.

In some embodiments, the listening environment is selected from thegroup consisting of a vehicle environment, a ride sharing environment, arestaurant, a lobby, a sports bar a kiosk with live translationcapability and a combination thereof. As well, in some embodiments, theplurality of different locations in the listening environment isrepresentative of a mobile device having the capability of receiving anultrasonic beacon from an ultrasonic transducer. In some embodiments,controlling directional sound transmission using a mobile application.As well, in some embodiments, wherein the selected location within thelistening environment is one of a plurality of seat positions in avehicle environment.

The disclosure also includes a focused beam directional speaker system.In some embodiments, the system comprises a noise detector; at least onemicrophone; a noise cancelling processor configured to produce a noisesignal, representative of noise detected by the noise detector, and aninverse noise signal produced by inverting the noise signal; an audioprocessor configured to identify a language, when present, inherentwithin audio information received from the at least one microphone andto produce an audio content signal from audio information in thelanguage; a summer configured to produce a combined input signal bysumming the inverse noise signal and the audio content signal; amodulator configured to produce a modulated carrier signal by modulatingan ultrasonic carrier signal with the combined input signal; and atleast one ultrasonic focused beam directional speaker configured tosend, to a target in a listening environment, an ultrasonic pressurewave, representative of the modulated carrier signal, through atransmission medium, wherein in connection with the ultrasonic pressurewave reaching the target, the modulated carrier signal demodulates,thereby canceling noise and delivering the audio content signal to thetarget in the listening environment.

In some embodiments, the at least one microphone is operativelyassociated with the at least one ultrasonic focused beam directionalspeaker. In some embodiments, the system further comprises a mastercontroller, being operable to control the focused beam directionalspeaker system, coupled to the ultrasonic focused beam directionalspeaker.

The master controller may operatively control, via a wireless link, theat least one ultrasonic focused beam directional speaker. In someembodiments, the master controller operatively controls, via a wiredlink, the at least one ultrasonic focused beam directional speaker.

In some embodiments, a light is associated with each speaker of the atleast one ultrasonic focused beam directional speaker. The light may beoperable to illuminate a color in a blinking manner to identify aspeaker of the at least one ultrasonic focused beam directional speaker.In some embodiments, the light is operatively synced to music. In someembodiments, the light is operative to perform a function consisting ofblinking, displaying a solid color or displaying a combination ofdifferent colors. The light may be a red-green-blue (RGB) light emittingdiode (LED).

In some embodiments, one or more locations in the listening environmentis representative of a mobile device having a capability of receiving anultrasonic beacon from an ultrasonic transducer; accordingly, the noisedetector, the at least one microphone, the noise cancelling processor,the summer, the modulator and the ultrasonic transducer may becontrollable remotely. The audio processor may be programmed inconnection with an application executed on a mobile device. In someembodiments, the at least one ultrasonic focused beam directionalspeaker is in/mounted on a ceiling of a vehicle. In some embodiments,the system further comprises a memory coupled to the audio processor. Insome embodiments, language data, pertaining to a plurality of languages,is stored on the memory.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Features, aspects, and advantages are described below with reference tothe drawings, which are intended to illustrate, but not to limit, theinvention. In the drawings, like reference characters denotecorresponding features consistently throughout similar embodiments.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of directed audio intransportation vehicles, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic view of directed audio in transportationvehicles, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of sound abatement in an outdoorspace, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic view of sound abatement in an outdoorspace, according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate perspective views of sound abatement in anindoor space, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a portable speaker system,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a home speaker system,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic view of a cloud storage service,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a live translation service,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 11 illustrates a schematic view of a live translation service,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of optical access in atransportation vehicle, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 13 illustrates a component diagram of a master control unit,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 14 illustrates a component diagram of at least one directed soundsource, according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Although certain embodiments and examples are disclosed below, inventivesubject matter extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments toother alternative embodiments and/or uses, and to modifications andequivalents thereof. Thus, the scope of the claims appended hereto isnot limited by any of the particular embodiments described below. Forexample, in any method or process disclosed herein, the acts oroperations of the method or process may be performed in any suitablesequence and are not necessarily limited to any particular disclosedsequence. Various operations may be described as multiple discreteoperations in turn, in a manner that may be helpful in understandingcertain embodiments; however, the order of description should not beconstrued to imply that these operations are order dependent.Additionally, the structures, systems, and/or devices described hereinmay be embodied as integrated components or as separate components.

For purposes of comparing various embodiments, certain aspects andadvantages of these embodiments are described. All such aspects oradvantages are not necessarily achieved by any particular embodiment.For example, various embodiments may be carried out in a manner thatachieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taughtherein without necessarily achieving other aspects or advantages as mayalso be taught or suggested herein.

According to Global Market Insights, the automotive speaker marketexceeds 5 billion USD and is expected to grow at a compound annualgrowth rate of 6.5% between 2020 and 2026. Specifically, sound systemsconnected to smartphones are expected to dominate the market share.Changes in the customer lifestyle to shift towards seamless connectivityis driving the market growth. With the growth of the Internet of Thingsand Artificial Intelligence, consumers expectations are changing.Customers are growing accustomed to controlling and customizing allaspects of their lives from their smart devices. The use of onboardinfotainment systems in public transportation during day-to-daycommuting to listen to music is greatly increasing. Ridesharingcompanies are expected to incorporate onboard infotainment systems intotheir services.

In addition, the global data analytics market is expected to increasewith a compound annual growth rate of 6.01% from 2020 to 2025.Currently, North America holds the largest share in the global datamarket. However, Asia-Pacific is projected to be the fastest growingmarket. Data analytics companies process, enrich, and analyze data tothen sell to other organizations to analyze consumers and determinetheir demands. Further, the global market for dash cams is projected toexpand at a compound annual growth rate exceeding 15% from 2020 to 2027.

Consumers also want seamless integration of their smart devices withintheir homes, offices, and vehicles. With the existing technology, theonly way to personalize audio content in a group setting is throughheadphone usage. Due to the inherent dangers, drivers are prohibitedfrom wearing headphones in many states and countries, which leavesheadphones as the only option for passengers to drown out unwantedsounds to the potential detriment of their hearing health. The use ofheadphones and noise levels can have negative effects on the health andwell-being of users. The National Institutes of Health have found thatfive in ten young people listen to music too loudly, and 48 millionpeople in the United States have trouble hearing (˜15% of the USpopulation).

Loudness is measured in a unit defined as decibels (dB). Noises that areabove 85 dB may cause hearing loss over time by damaging ear fibers. Theear can repair itself if exposed to noise below a certain regenerationthreshold, but once permanent damage occurs and one's hearing is gone,ear fibers cannot be fixed, nor can a person gain their hearing back.Some examples that employ a safe hearing range include whispering andnormal conversations, which are around 30 dB and 60-80 dB, respectively.Unsafe zones include sporting events, rock concerts, and fireworks,which are around 94-110 dB, 95-115 dB, and 140-160 dB, respectively.Headphones fall into the range of 96-110 dB, placing them in the unsaferegion. To give perspective, the ear should only be exposed to anintensity of 97 dB for about 3 hours per day, an intensity of 105 dB forabout 1 hour per day, or an intensity of 110 dB for 30 minutes per daybefore causing ear damage.

As described, damage to the ear may occur when headphones deliver unsafelevels of sound directly to the ear canal. This damage is directlyrelated to how much that sound makes your eardrum vibrate. When usingspeakers, sound waves have to travel a few feet before reaching thelistener's ears. This distance allows some of the higher frequency wavesto attenuate. With headphones, the eardrum will be excited by allfrequencies without attenuation, so at the same volume, headphones canbe more damaging than speakers. Additionally, when using headphones,many people are trying to produce acoustic isolation, which requireshigher volumes to drown out ambient noise. For this reason, headphoneaudio levels should be chosen cautiously so as not to cause permanentear damage and hearing loss.

In addition to hearing loss, headphones can cause a ringing in one orboth ears, known as tinnitus, pain in the ear or ear drum. Otherphysical effects from headphone use include ear infections,characterized by swelling, reddening, and discharge in the ear canal,itching pain, and feelings of tenderness or fullness in the ear.Impacted wax (i.e., wax buildup) and aural hygiene problems may alsoresult from headphone use, as they can create a potential for bacteriato form in the ear canal as a result of increases in temperature andhumidity of the ear canal.

The market is in dire need of a solution to restore the tranquility ofcommuting and other daily experiences by keeping audio contentindividualized with noise-abatement as a courtesy to others, withoutrequiring the use of headphones. The current state of the technology ismostly directed to conversation enhancement and directional drivernotifications from the vehicle, but not focused on music or other audioinput enhancement.

The present disclosure includes a parametric speaker system thatrevolutionizes how our connected devices interact with in-vehicle audiosystems. The parametric speaker system decentralizes sound in order toallow users to customize their in-vehicle audio content seat-by-seat.Ultimately, the system provides simple, connected entertainment foreveryone. In many embodiments, the system works by connecting to thevehicle audio system.

After the user downloads and accesses a mobile application, the user canselect their seat and take control of the speaker system for that seat.The mobile application collects the user and environmental data andsends it back to servers via a mobile connection. A key advantage ofthis system is being agnostic to vehicle interfaces, meaning the systemis adaptable and ready to plug and play across any platform. The systemhardware is designed in such a way that its control software can bereplaced by the automakers' OEM software, allowing full integration ofthe system features into the automakers' software build. In addition,the system may reduce acoustic clutter in the vehicle environment byallowing each passenger to listen to their own audio content in the formof audio books, movies, music, and phone calls as well as navigation andvehicle alerts.

FIG. 1 illustrates directed sound transmission system 110 which servesas an ultrasonic transducer that modulates audio information on anultrasonic carrier. In some examples, directed sound transmission system110 may serve as an apparatus for the directed transmission of soundwaves restricted to a particular listener within a vehicle oftransportation. As illustrated in FIG. 1 , directed sound transmissionsystem 110 may be located within (or in some examples, may include)automobile 146, and includes directed sound source 114. In someexamples, at least one directed sound source 114 is installed inautomobile 146 above and/or to the side of head 148 of listener 149. asshown in FIG. 1 . Directed sound transmission system 110 may alsoinclude a mechanism (not shown), referenced herein as a low-frequencygenerator, for generating low-frequency sounds and vibrations (audiobass) located in seat base 150 and/or seat back 152 proximate thelocation of listener 149. It should be noted that although FIG. 1 showsan automobile, the application of directed sound waves via directedsound transmission system 110 applies to a wide range of autonomous andnon-autonomous transportation vehicles including, but not limited to,automobiles, airplanes, trains, trolleys, buses, monorails and otherforms of mass transportation.

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic representation of directed soundtransmission system 110 of FIG. 1 . In some examples, directed soundtransmission system 110 (FIG. 1 ) includes a vehicle audio system 250, amaster control unit (MCU) 218, a remote computing device 224 including amobile application 222, and at least one directed sound source 114. FIG.2 shows that, in some examples, the at least one directed sound source114 (FIG. 1 ) includes a first directed sound source 214 a, a seconddirected sound source 214 b, and a third directed sound source 214 c.

In some examples, the MCU 218 comprises at least one processor 250(e.g., an application processor) and at least one memory 260 havingprogram instructions, that when executed by processor 250, areconfigured to cause directed sound transmission system 110 to directsound as described herein. In some embodiments, memory 260 containsprogram instructions that, when executed by processor 250 (e.g., an opensource processor such as, a 250 Linux™ processor), cause directed soundtransmission system 110 (FIG. 1 ) to direct sound as described herein.

In some examples, MCU 218 exists locally on a hardware system that isprogrammed according to program instructions that are downloaded fromremote server 268. In other examples, MCU 218 exists on a hardwaresystem, located remotely from other elements of directed soundtransmission system 110.

In some examples, MCU 218 is a music processor. In some examples, themusic processor comprises at least a portion of an automobile audiosystem 212. In some examples, the automobile 146 (FIG. 1 ) is anautonomous vehicle. In some examples, the automobile 146 (FIG. 1 ) is amanual 31 vehicle requiring a driver to operate said vehicle.

In some examples, the multiple directed sound sources 214 a, 214 b, and214 c are communicatively coupled to MCU 218. MCU 218 allows for theselection of a specific and different audio channel for each of the atleast one directed sound source 214 connected to the MCU 218, thuspersonalizing the content of each audio sound source. The targetlistener controls the content selection of this sound source by usingtheir remote computing device 224. Accordingly, directed soundtransmission system 110 may include more than one remote computingdevice 224. In many examples, directed sound transmission system 110includes one remote computing device 224 per listener. The remotecomputing device 224 may be configured to communicate with the MCU 218via the mobile application 222 loaded on the remote computing device224. In some examples, directed sound transmission system 110 (FIG. 1 )includes a set of downloadable and installable software applications,e.g., mobile application 222, designed for retail smart devices, such asa remote computing device 224 (which may be, for example, a smartphoneor tablet). Mobile application 222 runs on remote computing device 224,providing functionality to control at least one of, e.g., a seatselection, content selection, and a source speaker volume (i.e., thevolume of the applicable directed sound source 214). Mobile application222 may also identify a listener by a listener profile identificationlabel (Profile ID). In some examples, usage data is collected and taggedwith this Profile ID and stored in the cloud on remote server 268. Themobile application 222 may also provide firmware update functionalityfor the MCU 218 and the at least one directed sound source 214. MCU 218can also initiate and override the chosen content for each sound sourceconnected to it.

In some examples, MCU 218 comprises a programmable computational modulecapable of executing software code and various interface modules forcommunication with external devices, such as a remote computing device224. The interface modules may include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and a controlmodule that may be configured to interface with the vehicle systems,such as a vehicle audio system (not specifically shown). MCU 218 mayalso incorporate an accelerometer to measure the forces exerted duringthe operation of the automobile 1046 (FIG. 10 ).

Noise pollution is a major concern for venues that host weddings,corporate events, and celebrations. Event hosts and organizers oftenface a difficult choice between setting the desired acoustic atmosphereand respecting the noise level neighboring homes and businessesexperience. Noise pollution is a particularly prevalent concern forshort-term rental properties, such as AirBnB. One of the biggestcomplaints of neighbors to AirBnB (and VRBO, etc.) hosts isdisrespectful music volume. When staying in short-term rentals, such asa hotel or Airbnb, consumers want all the amenities of home with none ofthe responsibilities. Travelers generally fall into two distinct groups:businesspeople and vacationers. A vacationer should be able to let looseand play music in their room. However, this can interrupt the quietfocus time of business travelers. Installing directed sound transmissionsystem 110 (FIG. 1 ) in short-term rentals can allow all guests tocoexist harmoniously as if they were in their own individual homes.Further, installation of directed sound transmission system 110 (FIG. 1) into these environments would allow guests to have their idealexperience and keep it isolated from the outside world.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of outdoor audio system 352 in usein outdoor space 354. In some examples, outdoor audio system 352 may berepresentative of directed sound transmission system 110 (FIGS. 1 and 2) and may provide transmission of sound waves within a confined locationdirected and restricted to a particular group of listeners. Stateddifferently, outdoor audio system 352 may be considered anoise-abatement system. As illustrated in FIG. 3 , outdoor audio system352 includes at least one directed sound source 114, which may beinstalled a few feet above a listener's head (not shown). In someexamples, outdoor audio system 352 includes at least one directed soundsource 114 mounted on a pole 370, as demonstrated in FIG. 3 . Outdooraudio system 352 may also include a mechanism (not shown) to generatelow frequency sounds and vibrations (audio bass) located in floor 380below a listeners' feet (not shown) in outdoor space 354.

FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of a sound system 352 including noiseabatement. As shown in FIG. 4 , and as discussed with reference todirected sound transmission system 110 of FIGS. 1 and 2 , outdoor audiosystem 352 may include MCU 218 communicatively coupled to directed soundsource(s) 114, and a remote computing device 224 including mobileapplication 222. In some examples, outdoor audio system 352 includes aset of downloadable and installable software applications, e.g., mobileapplication 222, for use with retail smart devices, such as a remotecomputing device 224, which may be, for example, a smartphone or tablet.Mobile application 222, executed on MCU 218, provides functionality tocontrol at least one of (not shown) a content selection and a sourcespeaker volume (i.e., the volume of the applicable directed soundsource). Mobile application 222 may also identify the listener byProfile ID. In some examples, usage data is collected and tagged viaProfile ID and stored on the cloud in remote server 268. Mobileapplication 222 may also provide firmware update functionality for MCU218 and directed sound source 114. In some examples, MCU 218 executessoftware for communication with external devices, such as a remotecomputing device 224 via a wireless such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth Outdooraudio system 352 may include a content stream (audio output 20) that is“fed” through remote computing device 224 to MCU 218. In addition todirected sound source 114, MCU 218 may be operatively coupled tosubwoofer module 470. The sound abatement system in particular andexamples described herein may make use of Gaussian white noise asgenerated by a Gaussian noise generator (not shown) or as implementedwithin MCU 218. Alternatively, the sound abatement system and examplesdescribed herein may make use of a noise cancellation system as providedby as a separate system or as implemented within MCU 218.

Outdoor audio system 352 may provide directed sound transmission by amodulating an ultrasonic carrier with sound. In connection with themodulated carrier striking a physical object such as the listener's headand ears, it demodulates, leaving audible sound for the listener tohear. The foregoing describes the delivery of sound herein in connectionwith directed sound transmission system 110 as described throughout.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of indoor audio system 556,operating in indoor space 558, which is similar to outdoor audio system352 of FIG. 3 . In some examples, indoor space 558 includes a restaurantand/or bar setting. Indoor audio system 556 may be to directtransmission of sound waves to a particular listener or group oflisteners within restaurants and bars. Indoor audio system 556 mayinclude directed sound source 114 and one or more directionally focusedspeakers installed above respective seats, so as to direct audio towardseated listeners' heads (not shown).

Providing directed sound source 114 in restaurants may enable consumersto customize their own music/audio at a booth and set the mood to whichthey desire. Additionally, by directing noise conditioning throughindoor audio system 556, patrons may have the ability to have a quietmeal or party on the dance floor within the same bar.

Establishments like Sports Bars and Restaurants are known forentertaining patrons with multiple media options to enhance the overallexperience. Many bars and restaurants have multiple TVs spread acrossthe space, all showing different media. Typically, there is a singleoutput audio source coming from a “master TV.” Indoor audio system 556may provide seat-by-seat audio (via directed sound source 114) andsource (tv) connectivity for each individual TV input. In someembodiments, a Quick Response (QR) code will prompt a user to downloadmobile application 222 on their remote computing device 224 and show theuser how the system functions enabling the user to choose whicheverinput they prefer. Additional inputs may be integrated, such as jukeboxlibraries that can play seat by seat, or table by table. Mobileapplication 222 allows for the collection of data on what users arestreaming seat by seat through the connection to directed sound source114. In addition, indoor audio system 556 may allow patrons to orderfood and drinks vocally and avoid touching high trafficked table sideordering devices, thus enabling patrons to engage in the increasinglypopular practice of contactless dining/ordering.

Indoor audio system 556 may also give retailers the unique opportunityto provide product placement voice information in close proximity to (ornear) their displays. Having employees push the same product informationor specials to everyone who enters the store is not only repetitive anddraining to the employee, but disruptive to everyone's shoppingexperience. With targeted placement of indoor audio system 556 invarious locations around a store, customers can get individualizednotifications, leaving sales associates with the bandwidth to supportcustomer needs.

Exhibitions and conferences tend to have boisterous, excitingatmospheres. Every business, company, or entrepreneur is trying to graband hold your attention. However, with multiple speaker systems going,it becomes hard to focus on any one exhibit. Introducing indoor audiosystem 556 to this environment will allow exhibits to set the mood fortheir individual presentation without distracting from others.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of another example of indoor audiosystem 556. FIG. 6 shows an installation point is the ceiling above abar, as shown in FIG. 6 , or the ceiling above a wider area including abar and table seating, as shown in FIG. 5 . Indoor audio system 556 mayalso include a mechanism to generate low frequency sounds and vibrations(audio bass) located in the seat base and/or seat back at the listener'slocation. In some embodiments, indoor audio system 556 also includes CU218 (FIG. 4 ) communicatively coupled to remote computing device 224(FIG. 4 ), which allows a user to control content selection. MCU 218(FIG. 4 ) may also be communicatively coupled to directed sound source114. Allowing for control of content selection may include allowing eachuser to select a specific and different audio channel for each directedsound source 114, thereby personalizing the content of each directedsound source for a user or group of users.

In some embodiments, indoor audio system 556 contains a set ofdownloadable and installable software applications, mobile application222 (FIG. 4 ), designed for retail smart devices, such as remotecomputing device 224 (FIG. 4 ), which may be, for example, a smartphoneor tablet. Mobile application 222 (FIG. 4 ) through MCU 218 (FIG. 4 )provides functionality to control at least one of content selection andsource speaker volume (i.e., the volume of the applicable directed soundsource). Mobile application 222 (FIG. 4 ) may also be configured toidentify a listener by Profile ID. In some examples, usage data iscollected and tagged with a Profile ID and stored by via cloud storage.

FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of directed sound transmission system110 including a portable speaker system 760 having one or more portableindividual speakers 761 providing directed sound as described herein.Using at least one portable speaker 761, providing directed sound, mayallow users to listen to audio of their choosing without disturbingothers. Portable speaker system 760 may be especially desirable foroutdoor activities like camping, hiking, golfing, skiing, picnics, tripsto the beach, and the like.

Portable speaker system 760 may be considered an apparatus for thetransmission of sound waves, within a confined location, directed andrestricted to a particular listener or group of listeners. In someexamples, as demonstrated in FIG. 7 , portable speaker system 760 may becoupled to a golf cart 766 via a mounting system 768. It should be notedthat the golf cart 766 is used as only one example, and portable speakersystem 760 may be configured to couple to any number of off-highwayvehicles, including snow mobiles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), bicycles,boats, and the like. In addition, portable speaker system 760 may becarried, such as in a purse, backpack, golf bag, or the like, withoutusing mounting system 768 to couple portable speaker system 760. Asshown in FIG. 7 , portable speaker system 760 may be installed a fewfeet above a listener's head. The portable speaker system may alsoinclude a mechanism to generate low frequency sounds and vibrations(audio bass) located in the seat or below the listeners' feet at thesame location.

In some examples, a portable speaker system may include a set ofdownloadable and installable software applications, e.g., mobileapplication 222 of FIG. 2 , designed for retail smart devices, such aremote computing device 224 (FIG. 2 ), which may be, for example, asmartphone or tablet. This software communicates with the MCU 218 (FIG.2 ) and provides the functionality to control at least one of contentselection and source speaker volume (i.e., the volume of the applicabledirected sound source). Mobile application 222 (FIG. 2 ) may also beconfigured to identify the listener by Profile ID. In some examples,usage data is collected and tagged with this Profile ID and stored inthe cloud storage at a remote server (not shown). Mobile application 222(FIG. 2 ) may also provide firmware update functionality for MCU 218(FIG. 2 ) and directed sound source 114 (FIG. 2 ).

Recently, workplaces have been trending towards an open office concept.While an open-concept office space may increase collaboration, workerfocus and productivity may decrease for some people. Many workers areturning to wearing noise-cancelling headphones for 40 hours a week,which is not only uncomfortable but potentially harmful to long-termhearing. Integrating directed sound transmission system 110 into theworkplace may allow individual workers to only hear their own phonecalls, meetings, and music, thus reducing distractions to coworkers.

Directed sound transmission system 110 may be even more relevant to theworkforce now with many office workers working from home. While officeswere built with noise isolation between coworkers in mind, most homesand apartments were not. Having two or more people working from homecreates a lot of extra hassle to ensure both parties can holdsimultaneous business conversations. The individual sound zones of thepresent invention may greatly alleviate this pain. With the newwork-from-home and learn-from-home culture, directed sound transmissionsystem 110 may have a profound effect on online learning, Zoom™ calls,gaming, and home theaters.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of another example of directedsound transmission system 110 including indoor audio system 556, whichis represented in FIG. 8 as a home speaker system. Indoor audio system556 may direct the transmission of sound waves to a particular listeneror group of listeners. For instance, indoor audio system 556 may includedirected sound source 114 installed above and/or to the side of eachlistener's head (not shown). One example of an installation location forindoor audio system 556 is a ceiling above a couch, or over a desk, asshown in FIG. 8 . Indoor audio system 556 may further include amechanism to generate low-frequency sounds and vibrations (audio bass)located in the seat base and/or seat back at the listener's location.Indoor audio system 556 may be configured to communicatively couple toMCU 218 (FIG. 4 ), which may operatively couple to remote computingdevice 224 (FIG. 4 ).

In some examples, indoor audio system 556 may contain a set ofdownloadable and installable software applications, mobile application222 (FIG. 4 ), and designed-for retail smart devices, such as a remotecomputing device 224 (FIG. 4 ). Mobile application 222 (FIG. 4 ) mayprovide the functionality to control content selection and sourcespeaker volume of content from directed sound source 114. Mobileapplication 222 (FIG. 4 ) may also be configured to identify a listenerby Profile ID. In some examples, usage data is collected and tagged witha Profile ID and stored in a cloud server (not shown).

FIG. 9 is a diagram that illustrates the collection of user data beingplaced in cloud storage. Directed sound transmission system 110 may beconfigured to collect user data. The data may include automotivelocation and acceleration data, as well as data related to a user'ssocial surroundings. In some examples, directed sound transmissionsystem 110 can generate large pools of grouped and sorted data as partof the connected experience. For example, decentralizing the in-vehicleaudio experience encourages all passengers to utilize their devices atthe same time, thus providing numerous sources of data. As shown in FIG.9 , such may be indicated in connection with first remote computingdevice 924 a, second remote computing device 924 b, and third remotecomputing device 924 c communicatively coupled to cloud 968 for storage.

In addition to building consumer profiles for marketing purposes, thedata collected from directed sound transmission system 110 may be usedin risk mitigation and research. Specifically, insurance companies maybe interested in this data to determine premiums, and researchers mayuse this data to improve products and advance technologies. Some of thetypes of data collected may include, but are not limited to, externalroad and environmental conditions, technical status of a vehicle,vehicle usage (speed, location, average load weight), personal data andpreferences (driver identity, preferred radio stations), and tier healthdata.

Some examples of the functions and services provided by cloud 968include user profile management (Profile ID), aggregated usage dataindexing and storage, live translation, system firmware management,original content, and customer billing services. It should be noted thatthe functions and services are not limited to those stated in thisdisclosure.

International business is very prevalent, and the at least one directedsound source 114 may be useful for live translation in businessmeetings. Directed sound transmission system 110 may obtain livetranslation technology and outfit conference rooms with parametricspeakers, such as directed sound source 114, and microphones so everyonein the meeting can speak and listen to the meeting in their nativelanguage. This may be especially useful for those that have difficultyspeaking a certain language or for those that cannot quite understandanother person as a result of language barriers.

Directed sound transmission system 110 may also be configured forauditory kiosk communication and live translation. While kiosks areplentiful in malls, they may also be found in airports and train/busstations. Kiosk auditory communication can also enrich the lives ofthose more local by replacing noisy self-service stations in banks,grocery stores, and medical offices. Further, directed soundtransmission system 110, through its incorporated auto speakers andmicrophone arrays, and software may allow for “Live Translation” ofconversations (speaking & listening) between rideshare/taxi drivers andpassengers speaking different languages.

FIG. 10 is cutaway/perspective drawing showing live translation system1070 employed within automobile 1046. In some embodiments, livetranslation system 1070 includes two or more directional sound emitterswith built-in microphones, such as directed sound source 114 withintegrated microphone 1032, placed in physically separate locations.Live translation system 1070 may be coupled to and controlled by acontroller (not shown). Microphone 1032 may be used to supply audioinformation for modulation in connection with directed sound source 114.Red, green and blue (RGB) lights may be used over seats in a seatingarrangement within a vehicle to signal the transmission or reception ofan intended communication, e.g., via directed sound transmission system110 of FIGS. 1 and 2 .

FIG. 11 illustrates a conceptual block diagram of the live translationsystem 1070 of FIG. 10 as implemented with directed sound transmissionsystem 110 of FIGS. 1 and 2 . For instance, audio information may becollected by microphone 1032. The audio information may then becontinuously streamed to the MCU 218 coupled to mobile application 222loaded on remote computing device 224. Mobile application 222 causesaudio information to be sent to Live Translation service 1070 (running,for instance in cloud 968 of FIGS. 9 and 10 ) which may identify spokenwords, analyze meanings, and translate a language into a recipient'snatural language. This translation may be streamed to a recipient'sdirectional sound emitter module pointing to the target person, againvia the mobile application 222 and MCU 218. In some examples, the sameprocess occurs in reverse from the recipient back to the sender. Thus,the conversation between the sender and recipient is translated betweenthe sender's natural language and the recipient's natural language andback again in real time. It should be noted that the “sender” may beconsidered the first user 1026 a shown in FIG. 10 , and that the“recipient” may be considered the second user 1026 b shown in FIG. 10 ,or vice versa, at any given point in time.

With reference again to FIG. 11 , mobile application 222 controls thelanguage selection and speaker volume for both the sender and recipientsides of a conversation. Mobile application 222 may also pass theprofile ID of a sender's mobile application 222 to Live Translationservice 1070. Thereafter, Live Translation service 1070 may have accessto a conversation transcript identified by a profile ID. This data maybe stored for later use. Mobile application 222 may also provide thefirmware update functionality for MCU 218 and directed sound source 114.

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of an optical integration system 1272,such as a dash-mounted camera (or “dashcam”) system, which may beoperable and/or integrated with directed sound transmission system 110(FIGS. 1 and 2 ) in a transportation vehicle. In some examples, opticalaccess may be incorporated within the directed sound transmission system110, including MCU 218 connected to directed sound source 114. In someembodiments, directed sound transmission system 110 provides directedsound through a source installed in the vehicle above and/or to the sideof a driver's head, to allow only the driver and not the passengers willhear information intended for the driver. Directed sound transmissionsystem 110 may also include a mechanism to generate low frequency soundsand vibrations (audio bass) located in the seat base and/or seat back ata listener's location. This mechanism is referred to as a low frequencygenerator. It should be noted that although FIG. 12 shows an automobile,the application of directed sound waves via directed sound transmissionsystem 110 applies to a wide range of autonomous and non-autonomoustransportation vehicles including, but not limited to, automobiles,airplanes, trains, trolleys, buses, monorails and other forms of masstransportation.

In some examples, directed sound transmission system 110 contains a setof downloadable and installable software applications, and designed-forretail smart devices, such as a remote computing device (not shown)which may be, for example, a smartphone or tablet. The softwareapplications run on MCU 218 and provide the functionality to selectwhich key alerts and notifications from a vehicle's enhanced safetysystems (vehicle condition, collision prevention, lane assist, and thelike) are relayed to the driver's directed sound source, as well assource speaker volume (i.e., the volume of the applicable directed soundsource). A software application (not shown) may be used to identify alistener by Profile ID. In some examples, usage data is collected andtagged via Profile ID and stored in cloud 968 (FIGS. 9 and 10 ).Software applications (not shown) may also provide firmware updatefunctionality for MCU 218 and the at least one directed sound source114.

In some examples, MCU 218 comprises a programmable computational modulecapable of executing software code and various interface modules (notshown) for communication with external devices, such as a remotecomputing device (not shown). The interface modules may include Wi-Fi,Bluetooth, and a control module (not shown) that may be configured tointerface with the vehicle systems, such as the vehicle safety systems.MCU 218 may also incorporate an accelerometer to measure the forcesexerted during the operation of a transportation vehicle (or othertransportation device comprising directed sound transmission system 110,if applicable) for generation of certain vehicle notifications and/oralerts.

FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate block diagrams including MCU 218 and directedsound source 114, respectively. FIG. 14 also details communicationbetween MCU 218 and other elements of directed sound transmission system110, such as directed sound source 114 and first remote computing device924 a, second remote computing device 924 b, and third remote computingdevice 924 c. FIG. 14 also show that directed sound source 114 mayinclude a Wi-Fi module, a microphone 1032, and a noise cancellingelement, among other components. It should be noted that neither the MCU218 (FIG. 13 ), nor the at least one directed sound source 114 arelimited to the elements shown in the figures and may include additionalcomponents not shown or described in this disclosure.

Directed sound transmission system 110 may also be useful in contextsnot previously discussed in this disclosure, including public transitplatforms, museums, and ride-hailing services. Repeated reminders onpublic transit platforms exist to warn waiting passengers to stay behindthe indicated line until the train comes to a complete stop. Often,these reminders or alarms can cause annoyance and discontent, whilecontributing to the noise pollution of the area. Use of directed soundsource 114 may have the potential to limit sound to only the spacebetween train tracks and an indicated train line. Additionally, a higherfrequency emitted from a speaker may cause passengers to want to leavean area, keeping them at a safe distance from high-risk areas.Furthermore, this concept may also be used to reduce risks onmanufacturing floors keeping workers out of dangerous areas such asdesignated locations at, for instance, a shooting range.

Coupled with motion sensors, directed sound transmission system 110 mayplay an audio selection when approached by a consumer. At museums, thiscould eliminate the use of headphones on guided tours. Instead of tryingto figure out which exhibit the speaker is discussing, a consumer can bespoken to, directly, at an exhibit without others being disturbed inconnection with a mobile application and/or fob that allows a user tochoose language preferences during a tour. In some examples, a mobileapplication and/or a remote computing device may allow for thecollection of additional sellable data.

In a ride-hailing context, a driver may listen to audio of his/herchoosing while letting passengers choose their own music. This creates amore enjoyable experience for the passenger and could lead to betterrating, reviews, and tips for the driver. For the ride-hailingcompanies, zoned audio may act as a market differentiator should thetechnology detailed herein be installed in a fleet. It is furthercontemplated that functionality could be added to a controlling app thatallows selection or creation of a playlist for a ride. Taxi companiesmay also benefit from the foregoing technology.

In addition to reducing distractions and providing a customized audioexperience for each person in a vehicle, audio zoning has the potentialto decrease cost and physical weight in the production of a vehicle.Weight is a crucial factor to an automotive manufacturer, especially forelectric vehicles. Decreasing vehicle weight directly leads toincreasing vehicle range. Replacing large audio systems with lighterparametric speakers, such as directed sound source 114, could have ahuge impact on weight reduction. Not only do parametric speakers weighsignificantly less than in-dash sound systems, but they aresignificantly cheaper to manufacture.

In some embodiments, updates and enhancements of the directed soundtransmission system disclosed herein may couple a directed sound sourcewith adaptable phononic sound barriers. Phononic structures producephononic bandgaps, which are frequency regions where waves cannotpenetrate the structure in any direction. These sound barriers could beof particular importance in the high-end ride sharing market. Oneexample is they could allow for complete acoustic isolation in afrequency range of interest between the driver and the passenger,allowing the passenger complete privacy.

None of the steps described herein is essential or indispensable. Any ofthe steps can be adjusted or modified. Other or additional steps can beused. Any portion of any of the steps, processes, structures, and/ordevices disclosed or illustrated in one embodiment, flowchart, orexample in this specification can be combined or used with or instead ofany other portion of any of the steps, processes, structures, and/ordevices disclosed or illustrated in a different embodiment, flowchart,or example. The embodiments and examples provided herein are notintended to be discrete and separate from each other.

The section headings and subheadings provided herein are nonlimiting.The section headings and subheadings do not represent or limit the fullscope of the embodiments described in the sections to which the headingsand subheadings pertain. For example, a section titled “Topic 1” mayinclude embodiments that do not pertain to Topic 1 and embodimentsdescribed in other sections may apply to and be combined withembodiments described within the “Topic 1” section.

The various features and processes described above may be usedindependently of one another, or may be combined in various ways. Allpossible combinations and subcombinations are intended to fall withinthe scope of this disclosure. In addition, certain methods, events,states, or process blocks may be omitted in some implementations. Themethods, steps, and processes described herein are also not limited toany particular sequence, and the blocks, steps, or states relatingthereto can be performed in other sequences that are appropriate. Forexample, described tasks or events may be performed in an order otherthan the order specifically disclosed. Multiple steps may be combined ina single block or state. The example tasks or events may be performed inserial, in parallel, or in some other manner. Tasks or events may beadded to or removed from the disclosed example embodiments. The examplesystems and components described herein may be configured differentlythan described. For example, elements may be added to, removed from, orrearranged compared to the disclosed example embodiments.

Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “could,”“might,” “may,” “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically statedotherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, isgenerally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, whileother embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/orsteps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended toimply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required forone or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarilyinclude logic for deciding, with or without author input or prompting,whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to beperformed in any particular embodiment. The terms “comprising,”“including,” “having,” and the like are synonymous and are usedinclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additionalelements, features, acts, operations and so forth. Also, the term “or”is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so thatwhen used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term “or”means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. Conjunctivelanguage such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unlessspecifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the contextas used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X,Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended toimply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least oneof Y, and at least one of Z to each be present.

The term “and/or” means that “and” applies to some embodiments and “or”applies to some embodiments. Thus, A, B, and/or C can be replaced withA, B, and C written in one sentence and A, B, or C written in anothersentence. A, B, and/or C means that some embodiments can include A andB, some embodiments can include A and C, some embodiments can include Band C, some embodiments can only include A, some embodiments can includeonly B, some embodiments can include only C, and some embodiments caninclude A, B, and C. The term “and/or” is used to avoid unnecessaryredundancy.

The term “adjacent” is used to mean “next to or adjoining.” For example,the disclosure includes “the at least one directed sound source islocated adjacent a head of the user.” In this context, “adjacent a headof the user” is used to mean that the at least one directed sound sourceis located next to a head of the user. The placement of the at least onedirected sound source in a ceiling above a head of the user, such as ina vehicle ceiling, would fall under the meaning of “adjacent” as used inthis disclosure.

While certain example embodiments have been described, these embodimentshave been presented by way of example only, and are not intended tolimit the scope of the inventions disclosed herein. Thus, nothing in theforegoing description is intended to imply that any particular feature,characteristic, step, module, or block is necessary or indispensable.Indeed, the novel methods and systems described herein may be embodiedin a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions,substitutions, and changes in the form of the methods and systemsdescribed herein may be made without departing from the spirit of theinventions disclosed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A master control unit (MCU) for a directionallyfocused speaker (DFS) system, the MCU configured to: cause one or moredirectionally focused speakers of the DFS system to modulate anultrasonic carrier signal with audible-frequency audio content toproduce a modulated signal; cause the one or more directionally focusedspeakers to transmit the modulated signal toward a listener at a targetlocation within a listening environment, wherein the modulated signal isconfigured to demodulate in response to reaching the listener such thatthe listener perceives the audible-frequency audio content; and cause anoise-cancellation generator to emit a noise-cancellation audio signaltoward the listener at the target location within the listeningenvironment.
 2. The MCU of claim 1, further configured to: determine asource language of the audible-frequency audio content; determine thatthe source language of the audio content is different from a targetlanguage associated with the listener at the target location; andtranslate the source language of the audio content to the targetlanguage prior to causing the one or more directional speakers tomodulate the ultrasonic carrier signal.
 3. The MCU of claim 2, furtherconfigured to: cause a microphone of the DFS system to detect an audiosample at a source location within the listening environment, the audiosample containing the audible-frequency audio content.
 4. The MCU ofclaim 3, further configured to facilitate, via the one or moredirectionally focused speakers, a live translation of a two-way verbalconversation between a first person at the source location and a secondperson comprising the listener at the target location.
 5. The MCU ofclaim 4, wherein the listening environment comprises an interior of arideshare vehicle, wherein the first person comprises a driver of therideshare vehicle, and wherein the second person comprises a passengerof the rideshare vehicle.
 6. The MCU of claim 4, further configured toautomatically generate a written transcript of the two-way verbalconversation.
 7. The MCU of claim 6, further configured to assign aunique identifier to the written transcript and store the writtentranscript in memory under the unique identifier.
 8. The MCU of claim 3,further configured to facilitate, via the one or more directionallyfocused speakers, a live translation of a one-way verbal presentationbetween a first person at the source location and a plurality oflisteners comprising the listener at a respective plurality of targetlocations comprising the target location.
 9. The MCU of claim 8, whereinthe listening environment comprises a conference room or auditorium. 10.A directionally focused speaker (DFS) system comprising: one or moredirectionally focused speakers; a noise-cancellation generator; and amaster control unit (MCU) configured to: cause the one or moredirectionally focused speakers to modulate an ultrasonic carrier signalwith audible-frequency audio content to produce a modulated signal;cause the one or more directionally focused speakers to transmit themodulated signal toward a listener at a target location within alistening environment, wherein the modulated signal is configured todemodulate in response to reaching the listener such that the listenerperceives the audible-frequency audio content; and cause thenoise-cancellation generator to emit a noise-cancellation audio signaltoward the listener at the target location within the listeningenvironment.
 11. The DFS system of claim 10, wherein the MCU is furtherconfigured to: determine a source language of the audible-frequencyaudio content; determine that the source language of the audio contentis different from a target language associated with the listener at thetarget location; and translate the source language of the audio contentto the target language prior to causing the one or more directionalspeakers to modulate the ultrasonic carrier signal.
 12. The DFS systemof claim 11, wherein the MCU is further configured to cause a microphoneof the DFS system to detect an audio sample at a source location withinthe listening environment, the audio sample containing theaudible-frequency audio content.
 13. The DFS system of claim 12, whereinthe MCU is further configured to facilitate, via the one or moredirectionally focused speakers, a live translation of a two-way verbalconversation between a first person at the source location and a secondperson comprising the listener at the target location.
 14. The DFSsystem of claim 13, wherein the listening environment comprises aninterior of a rideshare vehicle, wherein the first person comprises adriver of the rideshare vehicle, and wherein the second person comprisesa passenger of the rideshare vehicle.
 15. The DFS system of claim 13,wherein the MCU is further configured to automatically generate awritten transcript of the two-way verbal conversation.
 16. The DFSsystem of claim 15, wherein the MCU is further configured to assign aunique identifier to the written transcript and store the writtentranscript in memory under the unique identifier.
 17. The DFS system ofclaim 12, wherein the MCU is further configured to facilitate, via theone or more directionally focused speakers, a live translation of aone-way verbal presentation between a first person at the sourcelocation and a plurality of listeners comprising the listener at arespective plurality of target locations comprising the target location.18. The DFS system of claim 17, wherein the listening environmentcomprises a conference room or auditorium.
 19. The DFS system of claim10, wherein the noise-cancellation generator is positioned within a seatbottom or a seat back of the target location within the listeningenvironment.
 20. A non-transitory, computer-readable medium comprisinginstructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to:cause one or more directionally focused speakers to modulate anultrasonic carrier signal with audible-frequency audio content toproduce a modulated signal; cause the one or more directionally focusedspeakers to transmit the modulated signal toward a listener at a targetlocation within a listening environment, wherein the modulated signal isconfigured to demodulate in response to reaching the listener such thatthe listener perceives the audible-frequency audio content; and cause anoise-cancellation generator to emit a noise-cancellation audio signaltoward the listener at the target location within the listeningenvironment.